Money-Minded Career Choices for the Finance Professional
With a finance background and education, a variety of career opportunities open in the fields of commercial banking, corporate finance, financial planning, insurance, or investment banking. Which industry is right for you?
A career in commercial banking involves providing traditional banking services to individuals, and small and large businesses. As a credit analyst you'll evaluate loan applications made to your bank. You'll analyze a company's financial soundness and future earning projections based on their place in the industry. Loan officers facilitate the lending process with businesses and consumers. Trust officers provide financial products and services to customers that include investment and estate planning.
Corporate finance professionals plan for a company's long term financial goals and are strategic in helping a company grow its business and manage cash flow. As a financial analyst you'll work in areas that include revenue, financial planning and capital budgeting. You can advance to controller, having responsibility for financial reporting and cost analysis. You'll also get involved with revenue, property, and accounting.
Financial planners advise individuals or businesses on investments, mutual funds, retirement plans, and benefits. Financial planners have a comprehensive understanding of investing, tax, and estate planning issues and are adept listeners. You can work for a large financial corporation, or independently to help people plan for their futures. Investment banking offers a host of career opportunities that include trading, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, international sales, and advisory services. These positions combine an understanding of the marketplace with skills in financial projections.
A career in insurance means helping businesses or individuals manage risk and protect themselves from loss. Acutaries are on the research side of insurance, using statistical data to help companies determine what types of insurance policies should be made available to people and businesses based on variables. Claims adjusters are responsible for negotiating settlements for a loss. An underwriter helps to decide what applicants receive coverage based on risk analysis.
Most careers in finance require a four year degree, and others even require an MBA. Check out programs like Western International University or the Keller Graduate School of Management at DeVry University, to begin your finance education today.
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